Is Las Cruces or San Antonio Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Antonio is safer than Las Cruces (Safety Score 3/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 5,219 per 100,000 versus 5,594 for Las Cruces — 7% lower. Las Cruces has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Las Cruces has a 47% lower rate.
Note: San Antonio is 13.1x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Las Cruces — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Antonio — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Las Cruces, NM
San Antonio, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Las Cruces | San Antonio | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,594.2 | 5,219.0 | +375.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 720.8 | 595.3 | +125.5 |
| Murder Rate | 12.1 | 8.4 | +3.7 |
| Rape Rate | 57.8 | 83.7 | -25.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 57.8 | 108.4 | -50.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 592.4 | 393.7 | +198.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,873.4 | 4,623.6 | +249.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 737.2 | 495.6 | +241.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,442.9 | 3,291.8 | +151.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 693.2 | 836.3 | -143.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Las Cruces or San Antonio safer?
San Antonio is safer with a total crime rate of 5,219 per 100K vs 5,594 for Las Cruces — a 7% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Las Cruces has a violent crime rate of 720.8 per 100K while San Antonio has 595.3. San Antonio has lower violent crime.
About Las Cruces, NM
Nestled in the Chihuahuan Desert, Las Cruces is New Mexico's second-largest city, known for its vibrant Hatch chile industry. Home to New Mexico State University, it boasts a diverse population and a rich history influenced by Spanish and Mexican cultures. With a safety score of 3/100 and a population coverage of 115,977, Las Cruces has a total crime rate of 5,594.2 per 100,000 residents.
About San Antonio, TX
San Antonio, a South Texas city famed for the Alamo, sits along the Balcones Escarpment. Its population is predominantly Hispanic, reflecting a rich blend of cultures. With a safety score of 3/100 and a population coverage of 1,514,458, San Antonio has a total crime rate of 5,219.0 per 100,000 residents.